Symptoms of Bulimia

Bulimia nervosa is an eating disorder characterized by binge eating followed by purging. It affects both men and women, but it is more common in women. Bulimia typically begins in adolescence, and up to 10% of college-aged women are affected.

Symptoms of bulimia include:

• Binge eating: Eating large amounts of food in a short period of time, often until feeling uncomfortably full

• Purging: Trying to get rid of the food consumed during a binge by vomiting, using laxatives or diuretics, or exercising excessively

• Obsession with weight and appearance: Constantly thinking about weight and appearance, and being highly critical of oneself

• Extreme commitment to physical fitness: Exercising excessively to burn off calories or prevent weight gain

• Feeling guilty about eating: Feeling ashamed or disgusted after eating, even if it is a small amount

• Mood swings: Feeling irritable, anxious, or depressed

• Abusing laxatives or diuretics: Using laxatives or diuretics to try to lose weight or prevent weight gain

• Swollen glands in the neck and jaw: Swollen lymph nodes due to frequent vomiting

• Heartburn: Acid reflux or heartburn due to frequent vomiting

• Unpredictable periods in girls: Irregular or absent menstrual periods due to hormonal imbalances caused by bulimia

• Weakness: Feeling weak or fatigued due to malnutrition

• Bloodshot eyes: Red or bloodshot eyes due to frequent vomiting

• Sore throat: Sore throat due to frequent vomiting

• Damaged enamel from stomach acids: Tooth enamel erosion and cavities due to exposure to stomach acids during vomiting

• Bleeding gums: Bleeding gums due to frequent vomiting

• Russell's sign: Calluses on the knuckles from inducing vomiting

Health Effects of Bulimia:

• Malnutrition

• Distorted body image

• Dental problems, such as cavities and erosion of tooth enamel

• Esophageal damage from frequent vomiting

• Acid reflux

• Dehydration

• Constipation

• Electrolyte imbalance

• Heart problems

• Kidney problems

• Infertility

• Increased risk of suicide

Other Conditions Similar to Bulimia:

• Binge Eating Disorder: People with binge eating disorder eat large amounts of food in a short period of time, but they do not purge.

• Klein-Levin Syndrome: This rare disorder is characterized by episodes of excessive sleep, excessive eating, and excessive sexual behavior.

• Biliary Disease: A disease of the gallbladder or bile ducts, biliary disease can cause nausea and vomiting.

Treatment for Bulimia:

Treatment for bulimia typically involves a combination of therapy and medication.

• Therapy: Therapy can help people with bulimia to learn how to manage their emotions, develop healthy eating habits, and improve their body image.

• Medication: Antidepressants and other medications can help to manage symptoms of bulimia, such as depression and anxiety.

If you think you or someone you know may have bulimia, it is important to seek professional help immediately.